Emotional Arne Slot admits he wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth

The Reds found themselves in search of a late winner after their two-goal lead was wiped out by a second-half double from Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo on the opening night of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

In Liverpool's moment of need, Slot turned to Federico Chiesa and the Italy international repaid the faith, putting his side 3-2 ahead before Mohamed Salah added a fourth to seal all three points for the Anfield club. However, Slot admitted after the match that he wished he could have brought on Jota, 28, who tragically died alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25, in a car crash in Spain in July.

In an emotional post-match interview, Slot said: "Normally at 2-2 everyone knows which player I look to at that moment in time. I would have loved to bring in Diogo Jota, but I could not for terrible reasons. But tonight the fans and the players did what he did for us many times in the past."

Powerful tributes were paid before, during and after the match to Jota, whose family were in attendance at Anfield. Liverpool supporters in both the Kop and the Sir Kenny Dalglish stands formed mosaics which read 'DJ20' and 'AS30', while talisman Salah was moved to tears as he joined in a rendition of Jota's chant.

Next up for Liverpool is a tricky away trip to Newcastle United on August 25. The Merseysiders had a £110 million ($149m) bid rejected by the Toon for Alexander Isak on August 1, with the striker currently refusing to play for Eddie Howe's men amid his preference to move to the Premier League champions this summer.